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Bias Against Proprietary Units

20th June 1958, Page 30
20th June 1958
Page 30
Page 30, 20th June 1958 — Bias Against Proprietary Units
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D RITISH hauliers' participation in direct export by* 1) The Transport Ferry Service has stimulated interest in the types of prime mover owned by operators who collect trailers in Antwerp docks, particularly when the Continental run is a long one and involves crossing a number of frontiers. To both the British and Continental haulier a breakdown is a serious event and reliability of the tractor unit is an economic necessity. The ready availability of spare parts for the tractor is of allied importance.

Reports indicate that British products have a high reputation on the Continent for reliability and fuel economy, notably in Belgium and Holland, but that inadequate servicing facilities are a deterrent to• the use of British prime movers for inter-Continental work. •This is a well-known handicap to the expansion of the Continental market by British manufacturers, but it is not generally realized that there is a bias against some British vehicles because the engine and other major components are propriefary units. The bias is not a reflection on the merits of the units, but is derived from an inherent belief that the production under one roof of all the parts of an engineering product is favourable to co-ordination of manufacturing skills to the best advantage.

In this country the larger manufacturer who specializes in the production of one type of component is rightly regarded as a valuable adjunct to the vehicle industry. Concentration of effort on particular aspects of design, development and production often enhances the producer's ability to cater for the practical requirements of the vehicle maker, who normally welcomes the opportunity to publicize the origin of the units. Moreover, the users of vehicles equipped with such, components are given servicing facilities which equal or may surpass those offered by some concerns who manufacture all the major assemblies fitted to their vehicles.

Until British manufacturers can operate a spares and servicing organization comparable with that established by leading Continental makers there is little possibility of extending the market for trunking vehicles above a certain limited maximum. The prospect of partnership in a European free market gives promise, however, that, with the lowering of customs barriers, free competition will give British makers the incentive and opportunity to expand sales by offering improved service. In the intervening period it is essential to convince Continental operators, by means of a well-planned publicity campaign, that the ranges of proprietary units produced in this country enable the vehicle makers to match the various chassis components according to the best design principles.

Tags

Organisations: Transport Ferry Service
Locations: Antwerp

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